http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=403538&sid=REG&sname=&news=BJP%20demands%20ban%20on%20Periyar%60s%20books
BJP demands ban on Periyar`s books Lucknow, Oct 25: After targeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for his anti-Ram remarks, opposition BJP in Uttar Pradesh today demanded immediate ban on sale of books by Dalit icon Periyar alleging they contained "objectionable" references to Hindu gods and epics. BJP state legislature party leader Om Prakash Singh alleged Mayawati governemnt was planning to allow sale and distribution of Periyar's (E V Ramaswamy Naicker) books, which contained "highly objectionable" references to Lord Rama, Krishna, Shiva and Hindu epics and demanded an immediate ban on them. Singh charged the books entitled "True Ramayan" and its Hindi version "Sacchi Ramayan", written by Periyar, contained "highly objectionable" references to Hindu gods and were available in large number to the people, which was not acceptable to BJP. "The BSP government's facilitating sale and distribution of such books smacks of its long-term hidden agenda", Singh said and added he had written a letter to Chief Minister Mayawati in this regard. BJP would also distribute copies of controversial references in these books to the Chairman of legislative council and the Speaker of the state assembly, ministers and members of both the Houses so that they should be aware of the issue when the party raises the matter in the coming assembly session, Singh said. He said the party would also take to streets to press its demand for a ban on Periyar's books. The BJP leader termed Mayawati's clarification on installation of Periyar's statue in the state as an attempt to "mislead" the people. Singh also asked Mayawati and her cabinet colleague S C Mishra to explain to the people their views on Rama, Krishna and the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and raised his obejction to calling Periyar a 'saint' and 'Mahapurush'. Asked why BJP had formed coalition government with BSP earlier when it had objection to Periyar's glorification by BSP, he said his party was not aware of it as Hindi edition of Periyar's book was published this year only. Singh, however, said BJP respected Dalit icons such as Narayana Guru, Sant Kabir, Jyotiba Phule and B R Ambedkar. He said if the state government did not pay heed to BJP's demand, party workers would come out on the streets to protest sale of Periyar's books. Bureau Report
